Tag: never forgiven
Unforgiveable sin
Scripture reading for January 16: Matthew 12
“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters. Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will never be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come.” Matthew 12:28-32
Jesus Christ was filled with the Holy Spirit and did ministry in the power of the Spirit. He was in a spiritual conflict against unseen defeated demonic forces. The religious leaders of His day accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus knew what they were thinking and saying about Him, and told them that if He was doing that, Satan’s kingdom would be divided and could not stand. But He was casting out demons by the Spirit of God as the Strong Son of Man. This demonstrated the presence of God’s kingdom and King directly to them.
Jesus warned these religious leaders about unforgivable sin: accusing the Spirit of God as being the power of Satan. They could speak against Him and be forgiven, but not against a clear revelation of God by the Spirit. Their hard hearts and stubborn refusal to acknowledge Jesus and the kingdom of God would cause them to be eternally damned. Willful rejection of the Holy Spirit’s revelation and a decision against Jesus would have eternal consequences.
Have you ever seen or heard someone who has blasphemed God or the work of the Holy Spirit? How would you characterize your relationship with Jesus? Are you gathering with Him as a result of choosing His salvation and receiving the Gift of God’s Holy Spirit?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the Gift of Your Spirit and His work in my on my behalf. Fill me with the Holy Spirit afresh today that I may participate in the gathering of souls into Your kingdom. Demonstrate the kingdom of God through my life and witness. Amen.